Completes 8.5 Million Dollar Renovation and receives Best Historic Inn and Historian of the Year nomination by Historic Hotel of America

Garberville, CA, September 18, 2018—Benbow Historic Inn, the premier hotel nestled amongst the redwoods of California announces that their 8.5-million-dollar renovation is complete. Along with the renovation, the hotel is thrilled to announce nominations for Best Historic Inn and Hotel Historian of the Year by Historic Hotels of America. These nominations recognize the beauty and history of the Inn in the 2018 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence. The Inn completed its renovation and received the nominations by Historic Hotels of America this September. The hotel is operated under Benbow Valley Investments, a partnership with Jack Macdonald and John & Teresa Porter.

Renovation for the 55 room Historic Inn included a 5-story elevator, new guest services lobby, two meeting rooms, a new cocktail lounge, two new kitchens, four new public restrooms, ten new guest rooms (Founders Rooms) and all new HVAC systems. The project expanded the already timeless, unsurpassed historical development of the Inn too!

A major consideration to do this work was to make the 92-year-old building ADA compliant. The addition completes the final phase of the Inn construction which the Benbow Family were unable to do and none of the subsequent owners dealt with. “We have made the Inn accessible to all with 3 ADA guest rooms, elevator, ADA section in new cocktail lounge & front desk, ADA parking and more,” stated John E. Porter, Managing Partner.

Teresa Porter, the Inn’s Historian received a much-deserved nomination, recognizing her dedication to preserve and display its history by Historic Hotels of America. The official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels. “This award is presented to a hotel historian who best demonstrates a passion for preserving, displaying, and interpreting the history of his or her hotel, a true ambassador of the past.” Lawrence P. Horwitz Executive Director, Historic Hotel of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

“The addition blends in very well with the original Tudor design. Many guests do not know the difference. Our new bar was designed to take in the architectural features of the Historical lobby, many guests think the bar is original. The new guest rooms are called Founder’s Rooms named after the original nine brothers and sisters, and the 10th room named after Mr. Linser who the Benbow’s purchased the property from,” Teresa Porter, stated.

Each Founder’s Room is delicately decorated and rich in Benbow’s Historic history. Teresa befriended Carol Bickler Benbow, second generation from the original nine brothers & sisters. She facilitated Teresa in obtaining all the family historical documents which included hundreds of letters, photos, paintings accounting records, personal effects and much more. The original nine brothers and sisters were contractors, architects, artists, inventors, ranchers, horseman, world travelers and more. Very talented, self-taught pioneers.

Boasting a Tudor design coupled with premier service and location the property offers attractive, luxurious facilities and amenities. Designed for business and leisure guests, the Benbow Historic Inn offers two new meeting rooms perfect for executive retreats. The Property serves many weddings and social events alike. The layout of the restaurant and lounge provide magnificent views, nestled on the banks of the Eel River. Majestic California Redwoods surround the lush landscaping providing the ideal setting for the most memorable weddings and executive retreats.

The newly designed space adds functionality, comfort and a true reflection of the unique character the Historic Inn has to offer.

Benbow Historic Inn, a premiere North Coast Hotel, Golf Course and KOA RV resort located near Garberville on Highway 101, Exit 696 – a small town in the heart of California Redwood Country near the Avenue of the Giants. Our resort offers something for everyone seeking a California Redwoods vacation.

For more information or reservations, visit www.benbowinn.com, or call the hotel direct at 1-800-355-3301.

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